Docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir

ABSTRACT

A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes an inlet conduit that extends from a pressurized water source to a spout of the docking station. A removable water filter is coupled to the inlet conduit in order to filter the flow of water through the inlet conduit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to docking stations forbeverage dispensers with reservoirs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Single serve beverage dispensers (SSBDs) are increasingly popular andhave become ubiquitous on kitchen countertops. Certain SSBDs are loadedwith capsules or pods that allow users to brew or mix anindividual-size, unique, hot or cold beverage. Thus, SSBDs may provide asingle cup of coffee to users who do not consume or desire an entire potof coffee. In order to provide single beverages, SSBDs generallydispense small volumes of liquid (e.g., between eight and sixteenounces) for each beverage. To permit consecutive preparation ofbeverages and decrease preparation time, certain SSBDs include aremovable storage reservoir. The storage reservoir is generally sized tobetween four and eight dispenses worth of water therein.

Chlorine and chloramine are commonly added to water by municipalities toact as a biocide and hinder bio-growth within water used in SSBDs.Despite its hygienic benefits, users of SSBDs generally prefer the tasteof water without chlorine and chloramine. Thus, reducing chlorine andchloramine levels in water directed into the storage reservoir mayimprove a taste of the water and an associated beverage.

Filtering water to remove chlorine and chloramine poses certainchallenges. For example, activated carbon is commonly used to reducechlorine and chloramine levels within water. However, forcing waterthrough an activated carbon filter medium can require pressurizing thewater, and water within the storage reservoir is generallyunpressurized.

Accordingly, an apparatus with features for reducing chlorine and/orchloramine levels within water in a reservoir of an associated beveragedispenser would be useful would be useful. In addition, an apparatuswith features for automatically filling a reservoir of an associatedbeverage dispenser with water having reduced chlorine and/or chloraminelevels would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a docking station for a beveragedispenser having a reservoir. The docking station includes an inletconduit that extends from a pressurized water source to a spout of thedocking station. A removable water filter is coupled to the inletconduit in order to filter the flow of water through the inlet conduit.Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the following description, or may be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a docking station for a beveragedispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes abase. A spout is mounted to the base. The spout is configured forselectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of the beveragedispenser. An inlet conduit extends to the spout within the base. Theinlet conduit is configured for connecting to a pressurized water supplyin order to direct the flow of water to the spout from the pressurizedwater supply. A valve is coupled to the inlet conduit. The valve isconfigured for regulating the flow of water through the inlet conduit tothe spout. A removable water filter is positioned within the base and iscoupled to the inlet conduit in order to filter the flow of waterthrough the inlet conduit.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a docking station for a beveragedispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes abase. A spout is mounted to the base such that the spout is positionedfor selectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of thebeverage dispenser. An inlet conduit is at least partially disposedwithin the base. The inlet conduit is configured for extending betweenan external pressurized water source and the spout through the base. Theinlet conduit is configured for connecting to the external pressurizedwater supply in order to direct the flow of water to the spout from thepressurized water supply. A valve is positioned within the base. Thevalve is coupled to the inlet conduit. The valve is configured foropening and closing in order to adjust the flow of water through theinlet conduit to the spout. A manifold is mounted to the base and iscoupled to the inlet conduit. A removable water filter cartridge ismounted to the manifold such that the manifold directs the flow of waterinto the removable water filter cartridge. The removable water filtercartridge filters the flow of water through the inlet conduit.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a docking station accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a beveragedispenser having a reservoir positioned on the exemplary dockingstation.

FIG. 2 provides a rear, partial perspective view of a socket of theexemplary docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a front, partial perspective view of a switch of theexemplary docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a bottom, partial perspective view of a water conduitopening of the exemplary docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of certain components of the exemplarydocking station and beverage dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of a water supply system of theexemplary docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic view certain components of the exemplarydocking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for operating a docking station for abeverage dispenser having a reservoir according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for operating a docking station for abeverage dispenser having a reservoir according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method for operating a docking station for abeverage dispenser having a reservoir according to an additionalexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a docking station 100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter witha beverage dispenser 200 having a reservoir 202 positioned on dockingstation 100. Beverage dispenser 200 is generally referred to as a“single serve beverage dispenser” and receives capsules or pods withflavorings therein that are brewed or mixed with hot or cold water toprovide a hot or cold beverage. As an example, beverage dispenser 200may be a KEURIG® brand single-cup coffee brewing system or a VERISMO®brand single-cup coffee brewing system. However, docking station 100 maybe used with and/or configured to work with any suitable beveragedispenser. Thus, while described below in the context of beveragedispenser 200. It should be understood that docking station 100 may beused with any other suitable beverage dispenser having a reservoir inalternative exemplary embodiments.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, docking station 100 includes a base 110. Base110 includes a pan or tray 112, a tower 114 and a projection 116. Base110 also extends between a top portion 120 and a bottom portion 122,e.g., along a vertical direction. Tray 112 is positioned at or adjacentbottom portion 122 of base 110. Tray 112 is sized for supportingbeverage dispenser 200 thereon. Thus, beverage dispenser 200 may bepositioned on or within tray 112. Tower 114 is positioned adjacentand/or mounted to tray 112 and extends upwardly, e.g., beside beveragedispenser 200, between the top and bottom portions 120, 122 of base 110.Projection 116 is positioned at or adjacent top portion 120 of base 110and extends from tower 114, e.g., over reservoir 202 of beveragedispenser 200. In particular, projection 116 may be selectivelypositionable over reservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200. Base 110 mayalso include a flexible neck 118 that extends between tower 114 ofprojection 116 in order to pivotally couple projection 116 to tower 114and permit placement of at least a portion of projection 116 overreservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200.

FIG. 2 provides a rear, partial perspective view of an electrical socket124 of docking station 100. Socket 124 is provided in and/or mounted to,e.g., a rear portion of, base 110. Socket 124 is configured forreceiving a plug of beverage dispenser 200 in order to provideelectrical power to beverage dispenser 200 and permit operation ofbeverage dispenser 200. Socket 124 may assist with conserving electricalsocket connections within an associated building housing docking station100 and beverage dispenser 200 and also improve a cosmetic appearance ofdocking station 100 and beverage dispenser 200 by limiting the number ofelectrical cords extending from docking station 100 and beveragedispenser 200.

FIG. 3 provides a front, partial perspective view of a switch 152 ofdocking station 100. Switch 152 is mounted to, e.g., a front portion of,base 110. Switch 152 is configured for regulating a power supply tovarious components of docking station 100. For example, when switch 152is in an off position, power supply to certain components of dockingstation 100 is interrupted, such as a controller 150, a valve 138, auser notification output 154, a water level sensor 156, a leak detectionsensor 158 and an ultraviolet light emitter 160 of docking station 100.Conversely, power supply to certain components of docking station 100 isnot interrupted by switch 152 when switch 152 is in an on position.Socket 124 may be powered when switch 152 is in both the off and onpositions in order permit independent operation of beverage dispenser200.

Docking station 100 also includes a user notification output 154positioned at or adjacent switch 152. In certain exemplary embodiments,user notification output 154 comprises a light emitting diode (LED) orseries of LEDs that surround switch 152. However, in alternativeexemplary embodiments, user notification output 154 may be any othersuitable output for alerting or notifying a user of docking station 100of certain conditions of docking station 100. For example, usernotification output 154 may be a speaker, a buzzer, a liquid crystaldisplay, etc., in alternative exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 provides a bottom, partial perspective view of a water conduitopening 126 of the exemplary docking station of FIG. 1. As may be seenin FIG. 4, base 110 defines opening 126, e.g., at or adjacent bottomportion 122 of base 110. Opening 126 is sized and positioned forreceiving a water supply line 136 of a pressurized water supply system130 (FIG. 6). Opening 126 and water supply line 136 are discussed ingreater detail below.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of certain components of dockingstation 100 and beverage dispenser 200. FIG. 6 provides a schematic viewof water supply system 130 of docking station 100. As may be seen inFIGS. 5 and 6, water supply system 130 includes a spout 132. Spout 132is mounted to base 110. For example, spout 132 may be positioned onprojection 116 of base 110 such that spout 132 is positioned directlyover reservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200. Spout 132 is configuredfor selectively directing a flow of water into reservoir 202 of beveragedispenser 200.

Water supply system 130 also includes an inlet conduit 134, such as ahose or pipe. Inlet conduit 134 is positioned at least partially withinbase 110 and extends to spout 132 within base 110. Inlet conduit 134 isconfigured for connecting to an external pressurized water supply, suchas a municipal water supply or well. Inlet conduit 134 directs a flow ofwater from the pressurized water source to spout 132, and, from spout132, the flow of water is directed into reservoir 202 of beveragedispenser 200. Thus, inlet conduit 134 may extend between thepressurized water source and spout 132 in order to assist with placingspout 132 in fluid communication with the pressurized water source.

Water from the pressurized water source may be directed to dockingstation 100 via water supply line 136, e.g., through a countertop 101.Water supply line 136 may be a hose, pipe or other suitable conduit fordirecting, e.g., pressurized, water to water supply system 130 ofdocking station 100. Water supply line 136 may enter docking station 100at opening 126 (FIG. 4) of base 110. Thus, water supply line 136 mayextend into base 110 at opening 126 and be coupled or connected to inletconduit 134 with a union 102 within base 110.

A valve 138 is coupled to inlet conduit 134, e.g., within base 110.Valve 138 is configured for regulating the flow of water through inletconduit 134 to spout 132. For example, valve 138 permits the flow ofwater through inlet conduit 134 to spout 132 when valve 138 is open, andvalve 138 hinders or obstructs the flow of water through inlet conduit134 to spout 132 when valve 138 is closed. Thus, valve 138 may open andclose in order to adjust the flow of water through inlet conduit 134 tospout 132. Water supply line 136 may be coupled or connected to inletconduit 134 with valve 138 within base 110.

Water supply system 130 also includes a water filter 140, e.g.,positioned with base 110. Water filter 140 is configured for filteringwater passing through inlet conduit 134 to spout 132. Thus, waterflowing through spout 132 into reservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200may be filtered with water filter 140. Water filter 140 can removeimpurities and contaminants from water passing through a filteringmedium of water filter 140. The filtering medium may be any suitablemedium for filtering water such as, e.g., ceramic filters, activatedcarbon block filters, polymer filters, or reverse osmosis filters, etc.

Water filter 140 may include a manifold 142 and a removable filtercartridge 144. Manifold 142 may be mounted to base 110, e.g., tower 114of base 110 and be coupled to inlet conduit 134 within base 110.Removable filter cartridge 144 includes a filter medium therein and isremovably mounted to manifold 142. Manifold 142 directs the flow ofwater from inlet conduit 134 into removable filter cartridge 144, andremovable filter cartridge 144 filters the flow of water through inletconduit 134. Removable filter cartridge 144 may include an activatedcarbon block filter medium in order to facilitate chloramine and/orchlorine reduction in water passing through removable filter cartridge144. In certain exemplary embodiments, valve 138 may be positionedupstream of water filer 140, e.g., manifold 142 of water filter 140.Thus, valve 138 may be closed to limit the volume of water that flowsout of inlet conduit 134, e.g., removable filter cartridge 144 isincorrectly installed on manifold 142 and water filter 140 leaks.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic view certain components of docking station100. As may be seen in FIG. 7, docking station 100 includes a reservoirsensor and/or water level sensor 156. Water level sensor 156 is mountedto base 110, e.g., projection 116 of base 110. Water level sensor 156 isconfigured for assessing a level of water within reservoir 202 ofbeverage dispenser 200. Thus, water level sensor 156 may measure thelevel or height of water within reservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200and establish when the level or height of water within reservoir 202 ofbeverage dispenser 200 is less than a threshold level or height.

Water level sensor 156 may also be configured for detecting whetherreservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200 is positioned adjacent base 110.For example, water level sensor 156 may detect when reservoir 202 ofbeverage dispenser 200 is positioned below projection 116 of base 110such that spout 132 is positioned over reservoir 202 and directs theflow of water into reservoir 202. As another example, reservoir 202 maybe removable from a base of beverage dispenser 200, and beveragedispenser 200 may be positioned on docking station 100 with reservoir202 removed from beverage dispenser 200. Thus, water level sensor 156may detect when reservoir 202 is removed from beverage dispenser 200 inorder to avoid directing water from spout 132 onto other components ofbeverage dispenser 200 or onto tray 112 of docking station 100, asdiscussed in greater detail below.

Water level sensor 156 may be any suitable type of sensor. For example,water level sensor 156 may be any suitable one or combination of anoptical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an acousticsensor, a pressure sensor, etc. As discussed above water level sensor156 may be configured for: (1) assessing the level of water withinreservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200; and (2) detecting whetherreservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200 is positioned adjacent base 110.Water level sensor 156 may include a single sensor component (such as anacoustic sensor) for performing both tasks or may include multiplesensor components (such as an acoustic sensor and a pressure sensor) forperforming each task, respectively or in combination.

Docking station 100 also includes an ultraviolet light emitter 160.Ultraviolet light emitter 160 is mounted to base 110, e.g., projection116 of base 110. Ultraviolet light emitter 160 is configured and/orpositioned for selectively directing ultraviolet light into reservoir202 of beverage dispenser 200. Ultraviolet light emitter 160 may be anysuitable type of ultraviolet light source. For example, ultravioletlight emitter 160 may include at least one ultraviolet light emittingdiode or mercury lamp. To assist with regulating ultraviolet lightemission, base 110 may be constructed of or with an ultraviolet lightinhibiting material, such as an organic polymer. Thus, base 110 mayblock or limit ultraviolet light emission except towards reservoir 202of beverage dispenser 200.

Docking station 100 also includes a leak detection sensor 158. Leakdetection sensor 158 is mounted to base 110, e.g., tray 112 of base 110.Leak detection sensor 158 is configured for detecting liquid waterand/or triggering in the presence of liquid water. Leak detection sensor158 may be positioned at a location on base 110 where liquid water isnot present under normal operating conditions of docking station 100 andbeverage dispenser 200, e.g., within tray 112 of base 110. Thus, whenliquid is detected with leak detection sensor 158, docking station 100may be deactivated in order to prevent overflowing of reservoir 202and/or tray 112 and avoid potential damage to adjacent cabinetry,flooring, etc. Leak detection sensor 158 may be any suitable type ofsensor. For example, leak detection sensor 158 may be a variableresistance sensor, a variable capacitance sensor, or an RFID sensor asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/052,873, which ishereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Docking station 100 also includes a controller 150. Controller 150 is inoperative communication with various components of docking station 100.For example, controller 150 is in operative communication with valve138, user notification output 154, water level sensor 156, leakdetection sensor 158 and ultraviolet light emitter 160. Controller 150may selectively activate and deactivate such components of dockingstation 100 in order to regulate operation of docking station 100. Forexample, controller 150 may open and close valve 138, activate anddeactivate user notification output 154, receive signals from waterlevel sensor 156 and leak detection sensor 158, and may activate anddeactivate ultraviolet light emitter 160. As a particular example,controller 150 may activate user notification output 154 when the filtermedium within removable filter cartridge 144 has expired or otherwiseneeds to be replaced. For example, controller 150 may keep track of atime interval since removable filter cartridge 144 was last replaced andactivate user notification output 154 when the time interval exceeds areplacement time interval, e.g., six months. As another example,controller 150 may record the volume of water that flows throughremovable filter cartridge 144 and activate user notification output 154when the volume of water exceeds a replacement volume of water.

Controller 150 includes one or more processors and a memory, andprovides docking station functionality. The processor(s) of controller150 may be any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor,microcontroller, integrated circuit, or other suitable processingdevice. The memory of controller 150 may include any suitable computingsystem or media, including, but not limited to, non-transitorycomputer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or othermemory devices. The memory of controller 150 can store informationaccessible by processor(s) of controller 150, including instructionsthat can be executed by processor(s) of controller 150 in order tooperate various components of docking station 100 to provide dockingstation functionality. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routedbetween controller 150 and various operational components of dockingstation 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through base 110.

In certain exemplary embodiments, controller 150 is not in operativecommunication with any component of beverage dispenser 200. In certainexemplary embodiments, controller 150 also does not receive any commandsignals from beverage dispenser 200. In such exemplary embodiments,operation of docking station 100 and beverage dispenser 200 may beindependent of each other. By not requiring command communicationbetween docking station 100 and the associated beverage dispenser,docking station 100 may function with a variety of beverage dispensers.

In certain exemplary embodiments, docking station 100 may include anadditional spout (not shown). The additional spout may be mounted tobase 110, e.g., at an opposite side of projection 116 relative to spout132. The additional spout may be configured for selectively directing anadditional flow of water into a tank of another beverage dispenser or apitcher.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for operating docking station 100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Controller 150 of docking station 100 may be programmed to implementvarious portions of method 800, as discussed in greater detail below.Utilizing method 800, docking station 100 may operate to fill reservoir202 of beverage dispenser 200, e.g., without requiring a user ofbeverage dispenser 200 to manually refill reservoir 202.

At step 810, controller 150 receives a signal from water level sensor156. As an example, controller 150 may receive a first signal from waterlevel sensor 156 at step 810 when water level sensor 156 detects thatreservoir 202 is positioned at or adjacent base 110 and/or below spout132. As another example, controller 150 may receive a second, differentsignal from water level sensor 156 at step 810 when water level sensor156 does not detect reservoir 202 positioned at or adjacent base 110and/or below spout 132. At step 820, controller 150 determines whetherreservoir 202 is suitably positioned, e.g., at or adjacent base 110. Thesignal from water level sensor 156 received at step 810 may be used todetermine whether reservoir 202 is suitably positioned at step 820, asdiscussed above. Thus, signals from water level sensor 156 may permitcontroller 150 to determine when reservoir 202 is positioned forreceiving the flow of water from spout 132.

At step 830, controller 150 receives another signal from water levelsensor 156 if reservoir 202 is suitably positioned at step 820. As anexample, controller 150 may receive a third signal from water levelsensor 156 at step 830 when liquid fills reservoir 202 of beveragedispenser 200 above a threshold height. As another example, controller150 may receive a fourth, different signal from water level sensor 156at step 830 when liquid does not fill reservoir 202 of beveragedispenser 200 above the threshold height. At step 840, controller 150determines whether liquid fills reservoir 202 to a level below athreshold height. The signal from water level sensor 156 received atstep 830 may be used to determine whether liquid fills reservoir 202 toa level below the threshold height, as discussed above. Thus, signalsfrom water level sensor 156 may permit controller 150 to determine alevel of liquid within reservoir 202, e.g., in order to determine whenreservoir 202 needs to be replenished with liquid from spout 132.

At step 850, controller 150 opens valve 138 if the level of liquidwithin reservoir 202 is less than the threshold height. With valve 138open, water from the pressurized water source flows through inletconduit 134 to spout 132 and into reservoir 202. As beverage dispenser200 utilizes water within reservoir 202 for beverage preparation, thelevel of liquid within reservoir 202 decreases and reservoir 202 isdepleted. At step 850, water from the pressurized water source mayreplace the depleted water. In such a manner, reservoir 202 may bereplenished with water, e.g., when the level of liquid within reservoir202 is less than the threshold height.

At step 860, controller 150 closes valve 138 in order to terminate theflow of water from spout 132 and into reservoir 202. Step 860 may beperformed at any suitable time after step 850. For example, controller150 may close valve 138 at step 860 when a predetermined time intervalhas elapsed after step 850. The predetermined time interval maycorrespond to a period of time required to fill reservoir 202 from thethreshold height. As another example, controller 150 may monitor thelevel of liquid within reservoir 202 with water level sensor 156 and mayclose valve 138 at step 860 when water level sensor 156 detects thatreservoir 202 is full.

At step 860, valve 138 may also be kept closed, e.g., if reservoir 202is not suitably positioned at step 820 or the level of liquid withinreservoir 202 is greater than or equal to the threshold height at step840. Thus, controller 150 does not open valve 138 if reservoir 202 isnot suitably positioned at step 820 or the level of liquid withinreservoir 202 is greater than or equal to the threshold height at step840. Keeping valve 138 closed may assist with preventing or limitingwater spillage from spout 132 and/or with conserving water. For example,if reservoir 202 is not suitably positioned below spout 132 at step 820,keeping valve 138 closed prevents or limits water spillage from spout132 into tray 112 or components of beverage dispenser 200. Similarly, ifthe level of liquid within reservoir 202 is greater than or equal to thethreshold height at step 840, reservoir 202 does not need replenishmentand keeping valve 138 closed prevents or limits filling reservoir 202needlessly.

It should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, dockingstation 100 may have a manual fill user input, such as a button orswitch, in lieu of or in addition to the automatic filling provided bymethod 800. Controller 150 may be in operative communication with themanual fill user input. Controller 150 may open valve 138 afterreceiving a signal from the manual fill user input and, e.g., may closevalve 138 when the signal from the manual fill user input is terminatedor when a predetermined time interval has elapsed after receiving thesignal from the manual fill user input. Thus, a user of docking station100 may be provided with a means for manually initiating filling ofreservoir 202 with docking station 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for operating docking station 100according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Controller 150 of docking station 100 may be programmed to implementvarious portions of method 900, as discussed in greater detail below.Utilizing method 900, docking station 100 may operate to sanitize waterwithin reservoir 202 of beverage dispenser 200.

At step 910, controller 150 receives a signal from water level sensor156. As an example, controller 150 may receive a first signal from waterlevel sensor 156 at step 910 when water level sensor 156 detects thatreservoir 202 is positioned at or adjacent base 110 and/or below spout132. As another example, controller 150 may receive a second, differentsignal from water level sensor 156 at step 910 when water level sensor156 does not detect reservoir 202 positioned at or adjacent base 110and/or below spout 132. At step 920, controller 150 determines whetherreservoir 202 is suitably positioned, e.g., at or adjacent base 110. Thesignal from water level sensor 156 received at step 910 may be used todetermine whether reservoir 202 is suitably positioned at step 920, asdiscussed above. Thus, signals from water level sensor 156 may permitcontroller 150 to determine when reservoir 202 is positioned forreceiving the flow of water from spout 132.

At step 930, controller 150 activates ultraviolet light emitter 160 ifreservoir 202 is suitably positioned at step 920. Ultraviolet light fromultraviolet light emitter 160 is directed into or towards reservoir 202during step 930, and the ultraviolet light from ultraviolet lightemitter 160 assist with sanitizing liquid within reservoir 202, e.g., bylimiting or hindering bio-growth within liquid in reservoir 202. Asdiscussed above, water filter 140 may remove or reduce chlorine and/orchloramine within the flow of water from spout 132 into reservoir 202.Similarly, chlorine and/or chloramine within liquid in reservoir 202 maydissipate over time. Thus, ultraviolet light from ultraviolet lightemitter 160 may assist with sanitizing liquid within reservoir 202,e.g., despite limited or reduced chlorine and/or chloramine levels inthe liquid.

At step 930, ultraviolet light emitter 160 is kept deactivated ifreservoir 202 is not suitably positioned at step 920. Thus, controller150 may not activate ultraviolet light emitter 160 if reservoir 202 isnot suitably positioned at step 920. In such a manner, excess orunnecessary operation of ultraviolet light emitter 160 may be reduced orprevented, and energy consumption of ultraviolet light emitter 160 maybe reduced and excess or unregulated ultraviolet light emissions may beprevented.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for operating docking station 100according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. Controller 150 of docking station 100 may be programmed toimplement various portions of method 1000, as discussed in greaterdetail below. Utilizing method 1000, docking station 100 may recognizewhen docking station 100 and/or beverage dispenser 200 are leaking anddeactivate filling features of docking station 100 in such conditions.

At step 1010, controller 150 receives a signal from water level sensor156. As an example, controller 150 may receive a first signal from waterlevel sensor 156 at step 1010 when liquid fills reservoir 202 ofbeverage dispenser 200 above a threshold height. As another example,controller 150 may receive a second, different signal from water levelsensor 156 at step 1010 when liquid does not fill reservoir 202 ofbeverage dispenser 200 above the threshold height. At step 1020,controller 150 determines whether liquid fills reservoir 202 to a levelbelow a threshold height. The signal from water level sensor 156received at step 1010 may be used to determine whether liquid fillsreservoir 202 to a level below the threshold height, as discussed above.Thus, signals from water level sensor 156 may permit controller 150 todetermine a level of liquid within reservoir 202, e.g., in order todetermine when reservoir 202 needs to be replenished with liquid fromspout 132.

At step 1030, controller 150 opens valve 138 if the level of liquidwithin reservoir 202 is less than the threshold height. With valve 138open, water from the pressurized water source flows through inletconduit 134 to spout 132 and into reservoir 202. As beverage dispenser200 utilizes water within reservoir 202 for beverage preparation, thelevel of liquid within reservoir 202 decreases and reservoir 202 isdepleted. At step 1030, water from the pressurized water source mayreplace the depleted water. In such a manner, reservoir 202 may bereplenished with water, e.g., when the level of liquid within reservoir202 is less than the threshold height.

At step 1040, controller 150 determines whether reservoir 202 or anothercomponent of beverage dispenser 200 is leaking and/or if docking station100 is otherwise malfunctioning. For example, if leak detection sensor158 detects liquid within tray 112 at step 1040, water may be leakingfrom reservoir 202 or another component of beverage dispenser 200. Asanother example, if valve 138 has been open for more than apredetermined amount of time that corresponds to an amount of timerequired to fill reservoir 202 then water may be leaking from reservoir202 or another component of beverage dispenser 200. In such a manner,controller 150 may determine whether reservoir 202 or another componentof beverage dispenser 200 is leaking and/or if docking station 100 isotherwise malfunctioning at step 1040.

If reservoir 202 or another component of beverage dispenser 200 is notleaking step 1040, method 1000 continues to replenish reservoir 202 withwater from spout 132. Thus, controller 150 keeps valve 138 open at step1050 and then closes valve 138 at step 1060 in order to terminate theflow of water from spout 132 and into reservoir 202. Step 1060 may beperformed at any suitable time after step 1030. For example, controller150 may close valve 138 at step 1060 when a predetermined time intervalhas elapsed after step 1030. The predetermined time interval maycorrespond to a period of time required to fill reservoir 202 from thethreshold height. As another example, controller 150 may monitor thelevel of liquid within reservoir 202 with water level sensor 156 and mayclose valve 138 at step 1060 when water level sensor 156 detects thatreservoir 202 is full.

At step 1060, valve 138 may also be kept closed, e.g., if the level ofliquid within reservoir 202 is greater than or equal to the thresholdheight at step 1020 or if reservoir 202 or another component of beveragedispenser 200 is leaking and/or if docking station 100 is otherwisemalfunctioning at step 1040. Thus, controller 150 does not open valve138 if the level of liquid within reservoir 202 is greater than or equalto the threshold height at step 1020. In addition, controller 150 keepsvalve 138 closed if reservoir 202 or another component of beveragedispenser 200 is leaking and/or if docking station 100 is otherwisemalfunctioning at step 1040. Keeping valve 138 closed may assist withpreventing or limiting water spillage from spout 132 and/or withconserving water. For example, if reservoir 202 is not suitablypositioned below spout 132 at step 1040, keeping valve 138 closedprevents or limits water spillage from spout 132 into tray 112 orcomponents of beverage dispenser 200.

While described above in the context of docking station 100 and beveragedispenser 200, it should be understood that methods 800, 900 and 1000may be used within any suitable beverage dispenser and/or dockingstation. For example, in alternative exemplary embodiments, dockingstation 100 may include a tank mounted to base 110 and docking station100 may not be connected to a pressurized water supply. The tank may befilled with liquid water, and a supply conduit may extend from the tankto spout 132. A pump positioned within base 110 may be coupled to thesupply conduit and be operable to urge a flow of water from the tank tospout 132 via the supply conduit. Controller 150 may selectivelyactivate the pump in order to refill reservoir 202, e.g., in the mannerdescribed above for valve 138. Thus, docking station 100 need not beconnected to a pressurized water supply in order to refill reservoir 202in certain exemplary embodiments.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir, comprising: a base; a spout mounted to the base, the spout configured for selectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser; an inlet conduit extending to the spout within the base, the inlet conduit configured for connecting to a pressurized water supply in order to direct the flow of water to the spout from the pressurized water supply; a valve coupled to the inlet conduit, the valve configured for regulating the flow of water through the inlet conduit to the spout; and a removable water filter positioned within the base and coupled to the inlet conduit in order to filter the flow of water through the inlet conduit.
 2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the base includes a tower and a projection extending from the tower, the projection configured to be positioned over the reservoir of the beverage dispenser, the spout positioned on the projection.
 3. The docking station of claim 2, wherein the base includes a flexible neck that extends between the tower of the base and the projection of the base in order to pivotally couple the projection to the tower.
 4. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a water level sensor mounted to the base and a controller, the water level sensor configured for assessing a level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser, the controller in operative communication with the valve and the water level sensor, the controller configured for receiving a signal from the water level sensor when level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser is less than a threshold level and for opening the valve in order to direct the flow of water into the reservoir via the spout after receiving the signal from the water level sensor.
 5. The docking station of claim 4, wherein the water level sensor is an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an acoustic sensor or a pressure sensor.
 6. The docking station of claim 4, wherein the controller is not in operative communication with any component of the beverage dispenser and the controller does not receive any command signals from the beverage dispenser.
 7. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising an additional spout mounted to the base, the additional spout configured for selectively directing an additional flow of water into a tank of another beverage dispenser or a pitcher.
 8. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a user notification output and a controller, the controller configured for activating the user notification output when the removable water filter is expired.
 9. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the removable water filter comprises a carbon block filter medium.
 10. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a manual fill user input mounted to the base and a controller, the controller in operative communication with the manual fill user input and the water level sensor, the controller configured for receiving a signal from the manual fill user input and for opening the valve in order to direct the flow of water into the reservoir via the spout after receiving the signal from the manual fill user input.
 11. A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir, comprising: a base; a spout mounted to the base such that the spout is positioned for selectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser; an inlet conduit at least partially disposed within the base, the inlet conduit configured for extending between an external pressurized water source and the spout through the base, the inlet conduit configured for connecting to the external pressurized water supply in order to direct the flow of water to the spout from the pressurized water supply; a valve positioned within the base, the valve coupled to the inlet conduit, the valve configured for opening and closing in order to adjust the flow of water through the inlet conduit to the spout; a manifold mounted to the base and coupled to the inlet conduit; and a removable water filter cartridge mounted to the manifold such that the manifold directs the flow of water into the removable water filter cartridge, the removable water filter cartridge filtering the flow of water through the inlet conduit.
 12. The docking station of claim 11, wherein the base includes a tower and a projection extending from the tower, the projection configured to be positioned over the reservoir of the beverage dispenser, the spout positioned on the projection.
 13. The docking station of claim 12, wherein the base includes a flexible neck that extends between the tower of the base and the projection of the base in order to pivotally couple the projection to the tower.
 14. The docking station of claim 11, further comprising a water level sensor mounted to the base and a controller, the water level sensor configured for assessing a level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser, the controller in operative communication with the valve and the water level sensor, the controller configured for receiving a signal from the water level sensor when level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser is less than a threshold level and for opening the valve in order to direct the flow of water into the reservoir via the spout after receiving the signal from the water level sensor.
 15. The docking station of claim 14, wherein the water level sensor is an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an acoustic sensor or a pressure sensor.
 16. The docking station of claim 14, wherein the controller is not in operative communication with any component of the beverage dispenser and the controller does not receive any command signals from the beverage dispenser.
 17. The docking station of claim 11, further comprising an additional spout mounted to the base, the additional spout configured for selectively directing a flow of water into a tank of another beverage dispenser or a pitcher.
 18. The docking station of claim 11, further comprising a user notification output and a controller, the controller configured for activating the user notification output when the removable water filter cartridge is expired.
 19. The docking station of claim 11, wherein the removable water filter cartridge comprises a carbon block filter medium.
 20. The docking station of claim 11, further comprising a manual fill user input mounted to the base and a controller, the controller in operative communication with the manual fill user input and the water level sensor, the controller configured for receiving a signal from the manual fill user input and for opening the valve in order to direct the flow of water into the reservoir via the spout after receiving the signal from the manual fill user input. 